What are sugar skulls?

Called "calaveras de azúcar" in Spanish, these sugary sweets
are sold everywhere on the days and weeks leading up to Day of the
Dead. Market stalls are lined with rows and rows of colorful skulls,
created from sugar and decorated with multi-colored icing, shiny foil,
sequins and glitter.

History of Day of the Dead ~ Dia de los Muertos

Day of the Dead is an interesting holiday
celebrated
in central and southern Mexico during the chilly
days of November 1 & 2. Even though this coincides with the
Catholic holiday called All Soul's & All Saint’s
Day, the
indigenous people have combined this with their own
ancient beliefs of honoring their deceased loved
ones.

They believe that the gates of heaven are opened at
midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased
children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families
for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults
come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.